How to Freeze Sweet Potato Fries

Finding ways to make meal prep and cooking easier is something we all need help with occasionally. One way to spend less time in the kitchen and still end up with a plate of yummy goodness is to cook in batches and freeze the leftovers. And freezing sweet potato fries is just one of the many foods this shortcut works with.

When it comes to hearty, home-cooked fries, it doesn’t get much better than sweet potatoes. Not only are they packed full of nutrients, but they also taste delicious.

If you’re eager to prep and bake your own fries at home and have enough for leftovers, you might be wondering if freezing sweet potato fries is an option.

The good news? If done right, homemade frozen sweet potato fries can make a second, third and even fourth appearance at dinnertime. Like Russet and Idaho potatoes, sweet potatoes tend to hold up well during their time in the freezer.

The next time you make a batch of homemade sweet potato fries, consider doubling the recipe and storing the rest in the freezer. Homemade frozen sweet potato fries are a welcome addition to any meal.

You can pair them with a juicy steak or barbecue chicken or eat them alone with some sweet, spicy dipping sauce. And since they’re packed full of nutrients, they also double as the perfect post-workout snack.

One question that comes up often with homemade fries is: “What’s the best way to freeze sweet potatoes?” While the individual steps may vary, most methods aim to keep the homemade frozen sweet potato fries from getting waterlogged, which can make them soggy when reheating.

If you’re freezing sweet potato fries right after taking them out of the oven, first let the fries cool on the counter. Once they're cool, it’s time to prep them for storing in the freezer.

• Use a single-layer cookie sheet large enough to fit all the homemade frozen sweet potato fries. 
  
• Lay the sweet potato fries on the sheet pan with enough room between each one, so they're not touching. If you made a double batch and still have a lot left over, place a piece of parchment paper on top of the first layer of sweet potato fries and repeat the layering process.
  
• Place the cookie sheet in the freezer.
  
• Set your timer for one hour.
  

• After one hour, take the sweet potato fries out of the freezer. Make sure they're frozen. If  they're

  still soft, put them back in the freezer for 15 minutes. 
  Place the fries in quart-sized freezer bags. Remove any air before sealing.
  Label with the date and place in the freezer. Homemade frozen sweet potato fries can stay in the freezer for three to six months. 
  

When it's time to reheat your homemade frozen sweet potato fries, make sure to leave them frozen. You don't have to thaw them before reheating.

Follow these steps to reheat your sweet potato fries.

• Heat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. 
  
• Line a baking sheet with foil. Alternatively, spray the sheet pan with cooking spray. 
  
• Spread out the frozen fries, making sure to leave room between each one.
  
• Add salt, garlic salt, spray with olive oil or other spice. Note: this step is optional. 
  
• Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. At the halfway point, take them out and move them around on the sheet. 
  

• When the timer goes off, check for crispiness. They're

  ready if the fries are warmed all the way through.
  * Remove, let cool and serve.